Tribal Nations

At the Department of Early Learning (DEL), we work with Tribal Nations to help ensure all children and families have access to the early learning resources and information they need.

Here are a few ways that DEL supports and collaborates with Washington tribes:

  • The DEL Tribal Liaison acts as the main point of contact for Tribal Nations. DEL Director Bette Hyde serves as the Tribal liaison.
  • The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) currently has five sites operated by tribal organizations. In the 2007-2009 state budget biennium, ECEAP was expanded in communities that will increase access for American Indian children.
  • 20-hour and 10-hour STARS trainings are offered annually to tribal child care providers.
  • A tribal certification process specific to child care licensing is available for tribes.
  • Tribal Nations are represented and involved in large-scale, statewide projects including the draft Early Learning Plan, the review of the Washington State Early Learning and Development Benchmarks, and the Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WaKIDS) pilot.
  • DEL funds parent support and education projects that provide hands-on parent-child activities, parent education and family support services.
  • DEL sponsors Tribal Early Care and Education Conferences for early learning professionals who work with Tribal children and families

Building Partnerships – 2009 Highlights provides an overview of the broad array of services and supports available to Tribal Nations throughout the state.

Centennial Accord Plan

An overview of the Centennial Accord and the process for developing the Centennial Accord plan between DEL and Tribal Nations.
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Tribal Certification Process

An overview of the process for certifying a tribal child care.
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Tribal Care and Education Conference

DEL sponsors conferences for those who work with Tribal children and families.
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